O’Dowd approves new speech and language learning support centre

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has approved the establishment of a speech and language learning support centre at Currie Primary School, North Belfast.~ Wednesday, 3 July 2013

Commenting on the decision, the Minister said: “The new centre will provide a vital service for primary pupils in the Tiger’s Bay area. In particular, children who require speech, language or general special educational support will have their needs met locally.

“The classes and associated teaching expertise will develop the capacity of all the teachers to meet the increasingly complex needs of the children, including issues associated with speech and language difficulties.”

The Minister has agreed to the establishment of up to two classes - one speech and language class and one learning support class - at Currie Primary School from September 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Concluding the Minister said: “Staff will have access to professional advice, guidance and specialist resources helping them to tackle barriers to learning through early identification of need. I wish the Governors, Principal and staff of Currie Primary School every success in establishing the new centre and in the future.”

Notes to editors:

Currie Primary School is a controlled school located on Limestone Road in North Belfast. It currently has 140 pupils.

The Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) published Development Proposal No 218 on 25 April 2013 which proposes to establish a speech and language learning support centre (LSC) with up to 2 classes, one speech and language class and one learning support class, at Currie Primary School with effect from September 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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